Step back in time to the Second Empire with the Association IRI! Parades in period costumes, theater, guided tours, a grand ball, lectures and meetings with authors will help you relive the history and lives of emblematic figures.
This unique day invites you to rediscover local history, celebrate Corsican identity, share a convivial moment across generations, and highlight the heritage of L'Ile-Rousse.

Program for the Day

Starting at 10 a.m., “Des Illustres” walking tour of the town in period costume
All day long, photo workshop in period costume at Corsicouture—Rue d’Agila.
10 a.m.–12:30 p.m.: Author meet-and-greets and lectures on famous figures from L’Ile-Rousse with Sampiero Sanguinetti, Caroline Le Gall, and Jean-Christophe Orticoni—Arte Libri Cultural Center
10 a.m.–12 p.m.: Historical dance demonstration—Place Paoli
10 a.m.–4 p.m., Guided city tours following in the footsteps of Île-Rousse’s famous figures—tickets available at the Île-Rousse Balagne Tourist Office

12:00 PM–2:00 PM, Costume swim – Napoleon Beach
2:00 PM–4:00 PM, Author meet-and-greets and lectures at L’Ile-Rousse City Hall with Stéphane Pergola and Jean-Dominique Poli
4:00–4:30 p.m., Short theatrical skits performed by students from Pascal Paoli Middle School (8th grade) – Place Paoli
5:00–6:30 p.m., Grand parade through the town in 19th-century costumes

8:30 p.m.–midnight: Grand ball in the gardens of Château Piccioni featuring period dance groups—Reservations required; period attire mandatory.

See the full detailed program below